Brewer Street

Maidstone

History and Heritage of Maidstone

Maidstone has a colourful history shaped by battles, revolts, witches, mad priests and later, industrialists, brewers and Victorian benefactors. Situated between Dover and London the town was a main route for pilgrimages and a bustling centre for local and national trade, focusing along the River Medway.

Despite many changes throughout the centuries, the ambience of old Maidstone can still be captured when walking through the town. Look out for the Archbishops' Palace, the All Saints Church, the College of All Saints, Corpus Christi Hall, Maidstone Town Hall, the Carriage Museum and Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery.

Discover the unusual and intriguing history of Maidstone, where a treasure trove of hidden delights is waiting to be discovered on the historic walking tour.

Eminent people throughout history have resided here and have contributed to significant changes in the world. William Caxton was England’s first printer and published “The Dictes and Sayinges of the Philosophres” in 1476. Sir Lawrence Washington was a lawyer and an ancestor of George Washington and their family crest, which can been seen in All Saints Church, relates in a significant way to the USA national flag. Lord Avebury introduced bank holidays in 1872, which has made a contribution to all those who work in Britain today. Their statues can all be found in Bank Street, just look up.

Wat Tyler was another eminent resident of Maidstone and was one of the people responsible for the Peasants Revolt 1381, which changed the way Britain operates today bringing with it an end to serfdom and the way in which taxes were collected.

Around the town there are many historic sites to visit such as The Friars, Kent Life, Kits Coty and the splendid Leeds Castle.

Whilst somethings move on and change others remain steadfast and familiar. The Friars, at Aylesford is still home to the Carmelite Monks, who have resided there since 1242. Kits Coty weathers the storms, as it has since Neolithic times and Leeds Castle remains “The Loveliest Castle in the World”. Maidstone’s history and past is vibrant but also able to hold its own in the present day with a proud heritage and a bright future.